Clinton Stirs Protest Over Archivist Post

Published: February 16, 1995

WASHINGTON, Feb. 15—
Word that the White House is considering a former Kansas governor as National Archivist has prompted protests from historians and archivists who say the candidate, John W. Carlin, lacks the necessary credentials. They also say choosing Mr. Carlin, who helped in the 1992 Clinton campaign, could politicize the job.

White House officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said today that Mr. Carlin was among the top choices to head the National Archives and Records Administration.

In a letter to Mr. Clinton the American Historical Association said Mr. Carlin lacked "the scholarly and professional qualifications required by law" for the job. The Organization of American Historians also opposes Mr. Carlin.

Mr. Carlin today dismissed the possibility of partisanship in his consideration by Mr. Clinton. "It's a job I'd would have never thought of," he said, "but having had a chance for a couple of months to think about it, I think it would be a great challenge."